agreed Mark.With the young noble the lesson was, how can you see the spiritual things,when you are blinded by the material. Give it up and follow me and I will show you the way. Many of us are blinded by material things. Often luxuries.With many it does not registerthat others are in desperate need. Worshipping our telly, video games,flashy car etc.We live in a material Matrix.If everyone did something however small we could do so much. There are several churches that could do so much more.I do not mean the parishioners either.

Strongaxe, good points you gave. We are not all called to give everything. God's Holy Spirit works to every single individual differently. So that every individual has different duties to do. Some to help with money, others with their own work, like doctors, nurses, contractors bulding homes in other countries. Some mom's to just bring their children in a godly manner. All with a purpose in mind towards an end God has already ordained. Sin, though is in the way, we could give a lot of food, but many will steal the food and sell it in the black market. Physical help seems very helpful instead many times. We move where God moves us and the rest is left to God.

Actually, I did mean Matthew 19:16-26 (similarly Mark 10:17-27), where a rich man asks Jesus what he needs to do to be saved, Jesus tells him to sell everything he has and give to the poor, and the man leaves sorrowful.

Yes, Acts church members sold their possessions, but they were not required to do so, nor did Jesus teach EVERYONE to do so. Ananaias and Sapphira died over this - but not because they held their wealth back, but because they lied about it

Acts 5:1-10, but specfically verse 4:"Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God."

StrongaxeThe qoute was actually from Anon.Yet he is right.When Jesus says I Am The Way,I believe he is saying be like me,live like me.Anon is basically saying a man should be seen by what he gives. Unfortunately our society does it the other way round. What he owns. Whilst that happens there is dis-harmony in the world. We live in a world, where we look down on the unfortunate. We struggle for material wealth, rather than spiritual.Many of us ignore those in need, Where Jesus reached out a hand.

Jesus didn't tell everyone to sell everything and give to the poor. He gave that specific command to the rich man - because that was the one thing that man in particular needed to hear.

Most people have something they think they own, but in fact, owns them instead. For some people, that is money. For others, it may be something else entirely, but in any case, whatever it is, it's something that we need to get rid of, to break its power over us.

Mark I agree, we live in a material world. For many the quest for possessions outweighs any human compassion for others.Yes we are surrounded by sin.Anon If the Body of Christ would do it's part "sell all they have and give to the poor" there wouldn't be a need in the church, amen? I hear that."I AM THE WAY." said Jesus.Unfortunately so much of the world has lost its way. Blessings to all

ELENA, thank you and I want to say how sorry I am that you went through such hardships and hard times.

If the Body of Christ would do it's part "sell all they have and give to the poor" there wouldn't be a need in the church, amen?

I'm just so sorry to hear of all you went through. If I knew you, I would have taken you in like I have others. (((Huggss))))) Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us, amen?

Trish, yes, that's what I'm saying. If they want God's help and blessings, God says, "Today I set before you life and death, choose life." But unbelievers choose to live in their own strength, not God's help and that's sad.

Hello,Anon I pray our Lord fill your life with manifold blessings! I believe as you do! the Lord hand is not short and it's not tied. May God bless your wonderfull ministry of love and faith believing when it seems so hard! your kind heart and right spirit that's what we need ...have faith even when you can't see it! The Lord has shown me over & over again His love,mercy & faithfullness..thankyou so much for sharing with us...your posts are really a blessing! Love of Jesus!

hello,Family I do believe that now,there are situations you may not be able to help for instance people far away lands but,our prayers are not without hope! God can & he will send someone else to do for someone becuz you are not able. His hand is not short & it's not tied. I believe that faith works in many ways..heb.11:6 without faith it's impossible to please God..Faith in action:1Col.13:2,2Col.5:7,2Ch.20:20,Hab.2:4,Mt.9:29,Mt.17:20.

Chris, and Trish, I agree with both of you on the answers you gave. Chris is right on. So many true Christians have died for the cause of God. Some in countries so poor, they themselves gave their own lives to help others. Poverty is all over the world, and covers everyone, both the children of God and those not of God. Sin is the main cause. There is enough essentials for everyone on earth, but because of sin, so many die of hungar and thirst. God is not ready to end sin.

Hello,again! Thankyou Anon,well,atually, I at the time was after the year get out of hospital/rehab. I did have to try do for myself be honest I was so ashamed and I never ask no one for place to stay... I was a person visible to the public always helped people. I was raised to be independent. God took care of me,my husband went his way..He was no help when I finally got a place a room he took to no good playing off-track racing. I thank God he took care of me and I never been homeless no more! Smiles...Thankyou so,much. I don't feel bitter I feel gratefull...Love of Jesus!

anon I am not sure how you come to that conclusion. When so many devout Christians are dying of hunger and hunger related diseases in the 3rd world.Or is that a different type of Christianity?Its like saying that all the devout Christians who have suffered,poverty, disease and starvation through the ages and perished were not Christians. We look to the strength of the Lord to face the trials that face us. Yes there is strength in prayer. Strength in belief to face what is before us.

"Many that can won't. They do not see it as their problem" chris on 5/9/12.True, What comes to mind is that sin/sinners are/were not Gods problem, However, Rom 5:8"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."Christ in usnot only our own personal Hope, but also Hope for those God chooses to bless through us, yielded to His leading/His Spirit. Ultimately the spiritual outweighing the natural, still He cares for all of our needs.

Anon: I am not battling anything in the flesh. I am speaking for those less fortunate than me. I am blessed beyond my comprehension.

Are you saying that the unbelievers need to come to Christ before they should be helped out of poverty? My church has a food bank for the poor in our community. We don't make them profess anything. We just help them, and invite them to services.

We also help with an interfaith ministry to get the homeless off the street in the winter, and get them free meals year round. Many attend worship services at our churches when they spend the night. Again, they don't have to believe anything to get help.

I live in PA and I'm unemployed and I don't believe when it runs out that the Lord won't provide either a job for me or financial resources. The BODY of Christ should be "selling all that they had and giving to those who had none." But the Body isn't doing that.

Most people don't know Father God as Jehovah Jirah, the Lord their provider. Most don't know Him by Jehovah Adoni or Jehovah Elohim or El Shaddahi, and "I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor begging bread."

I'm unemployed and still sending tithes and offerings and first fruits out. God is our Provider, the unbelievers MUST believe in order to receive. Amen?

Many who would help the poor, are too poor themselves to help. For even that thought they are blessed.

Many that can won't. They do not see it as their problem. Tonight there will be people,who have nowhere to go and no-one to care. They have no hope or respect left, life has beaten it out of them. They are full of dispair.Would Jesus say its not my problem or reach out a hand and say come follow me?

hello,aka,Mark,Chris...goodmorning! All valid points.. I thank God for His mercy unto me.bro.Mark now,I understand what you meant. This is ELENA. I love 'n the 24 Ps. Say "He restoreth my soul",becuz that exactly,what he has done for me. I heard a testimony british radio a lone woman survived a terrible ordeal,the "patched together makeshift boat" all dead but,this one woman survive the shipwreck....74 people died dominican Republic & some rich guy fr Santo Domingo make $ a song bout the death these poor souls try get to puerto rico to work.

Jed, you missed the whole point. Though you are right, there is many lazy people who don't work, and many who want everything free, and families who stay on welfair who don't want to work when they are capable. but many who cannot work anymore, who are disabled. Many born into a poor families. Why don't you call it what it is? Sin. Because of sin, people suffer all over the world. Not always their sin, but the sin of others. Just look it in the eye, it is sin. Because of sin, many have lost their homes and jobs. Companies close because sinful people who own the jobs move them to other countries to make more money. Greed, power, and money control their lives. "Sin." Greed, money and power cause the fall of the Home industry.

In Spain there is 25% unemployment there are no jobs. Many have lost their homes. They get 4 months benefit then nothing. But of course that is their choice?That is a european example.

A child dies every minute from hunger throughout the world and disease but that is their choice? Whole families die but that is their choice? Whilst it is calculated the food we waste and the mountains of food left to rot, to keep prices up are more than enough to feed everyone.Many suffer all this and go to their death still holding their faith. Blessed are the meek.

STAYING poor is a choice. You choose whether you are going to stay in that situation or get yourself out of it through hard work and good choices. If you stay poor then it is a result of irresponsibility.---Jed on 5/8/12

This is mostly TRUE, but there are exceptions.

My grandmother, and her husband, had 4 children. Suddenly, my grandfather died of an incurable neurological disease. My grandmother was left with 4 kids -- all under 8 years old -- to raise alone.

My grandmother had NO education beyond the basics. She couldn't work until her kids were all school age. Her struggle with low-paying jobs didn't end until the kids all left home.

Sure, you can live very frugally, if you eliminate certain "luxuries" like internet, cable TV, car insurance, health insurance, hot water. You can save even more if you just live on bread and water, and MUCH more (rent, water, electricity) if you live on the street.

But the question is - just where do you draw the line for what is an "acceptable" standard of living that one is permitted to strive for?

Hello,Thanks bro.Jed God bless you & all your family,well,ELENA loves to exchange wonderfull bloggs..we all learn so,much I know I appreciate each and every person.Smile....I nev'r tell my age...old Cuban joke & custom...till "we go like :) My main concern is get closer to the way Jesus would love me to be and I don't ask for alot material stuff,every thing we go through has a purpose and I just to give others the joy through song & music,brighten the sad times,give bk bit so,much God has given me.material things not my priority. Be give agape love and have a spirit of prayer and forgiveness... No matter How I feel or what I go through!

The poverty line for one person is $11,140. My mother gets just over $12,000 a year.

The poverty line for a family of five is $27,010. I have a friend whose husband is going to have to go on Disability. They have three kids, and my friend can't work for a variety of health reasons. Plus, she is not eligible for SSD because she stayed home to raise the kids. So, tell me again how $1800 a month is a lot of money to live on, and how if you can't live on it, you're being irresponsible.

Hello,Thanks bro.Eloy,Trish it's God that keep'n us! Yes,there are times truthfully,when it's very tight...Trish, I completely,understand what you are saying. I do no longer have a lot of things becuz like t.v & cable just cannot afford it. my vision was not as bad like now but,all those things cost and yes,I don't have my car no more either,I was never able to drive becuz handicaped but,my late husband he drove. I always had a car untill 11yrs. believe we live in a time where now,we are goin' be tested like never before...There have been times I have truthfully,told the Pastor I do not have much I can give but,I will try help at church.

Okay Elena, Good point. Let me revise my statement since people can't seem to understand how responsibility and pulling yourself up works. So here is my revised statement for people that misunderstood: Falling on hard times may not be a choice, sometimes it is due to irresponsible choices, but sometimes not. But STAYING poor is a choice. You choose whether you are going to stay in that situation or get yourself out of it through hard work and good choices. If you stay poor then it is a result of irresponsibility. So I did not mean that everyone who falls on hard times and becomes homeless are to blame (though often times they are). I mean that if you stay that way then it is your fault.

Jed the Housing Industry is just one example of what is happening in Ameica. All businesses help detemine the condition of the economy but the Government causes many downfalls from over commitment to other Countries through fighting wars and sending Aid when they have to borrow the money to do it. Trish is right in this age $2000.00 often doesn't cover all expenses. In Texas people have huge eletric bills some over a thousand dollars. Gas prices are outrageous $3.42 to $3.82. A gallon of milk is $3.00. I don't know where you live but in the real world,again, Trish is right $2000.00 doesn't go very far. Now people do well to help their famlies and themselves,nothing left for others.

Jed: You don't live in an area with a high cost of living. My rent, medical insurance, and auto insurance add up to $2000 a month. My SSD check is $1800 a month. I also have electricity, heat, gas for my car, food, doctor co-pays, prescriptions, etc. my out of pocket medical expenses for 2011 were over $13,000. I'm not eligible for Medicare until two years after I start Disability. And you think someone on Disability who is poor is irresponsible. Pity anyone with children who has to live like this.

ELENA, Bless you sister, it is a joy to see you here and read your posts. God is good, and he knows the suffering of each soul. It is pure sin to tell a poor person to give to the poor in order that God will bless them in return, for with what can the poor give to the poor when they themself are the poor in need? The "haves" are suppose to give to the "have nots", the "have nots" cannot give to "have nots".

Moderator permit- to bro.Steveng,I want to give you encouragement how beatifull are the feet of those that carry the gospel... Brother may the Lord bless you! You preach the gospel you say beaches,top of mountains,here & there.. No bling-bling no big choir,imitation waterfalls,big entertainer pull you in "get the crowd!"brother I just want to say I will pray God bless you & keep you in His care.If I correct? I think that the apostles did it book og Acts.We study about first primitive church,met in homes,outdoors,etc.. Love of Jesus!

hello, First let me say very glad to see NurseRobert,Anon,Bro.Eloy and Sag on here! All be blessed... This is ELENA. bro.Jed everyone has their own life triumphs,tests,trials,hard times...the only difficult thing for me to understand when you say poverty a choice! I had a up coming career criminal justice,work 3 jobs (till beat up by people I did not even know,put in a coma) so,I end up homeless and God got me bk where I could do sometype of work.I did NOT choose my demaise but,God is good. He always has help me pull myself up 'n I give him the glory. sometimes,we all may text something 'n haste! I do not like to judge NO ONE or make lite of others suffering.

Trish, are you really saying that $2000 a month is poverty?! Most people I know who work make less than that! That's just rediculous if you can't make it off $2000 or even $1000 a month. That's insane. If you can't make it off that then you really are seriously irresponsible as can be.

Sag: What Jed seems to be saying is that those who suffer job losses and medical catastrophes should pull themselves up by their bootstraps and not go broke.

My sister works for New Jersey's unemployment. The unemployment is so bad she gets tons of overtime. There are no jobs for these people. So when their benefits run out they can't pay their mortgages. But, Jef says that's their fault too.

Christians above all people should be showing humanity to the poor. The cruel will castigate and break bruised reeds, but not God nor his people. God says treat others exactly how you want to be treated: therefore if you bad-mouth a person whom is poor or lost their job, then you yourself want to also be bad-mouthed if you find yourself struggling and lost your job. It is one thing to be a lazy sloth, and it is quite another thing to be ambitious and willing, but suffering. What kind of a Christian are you, you whom put down a person whom is struggling to make ends meet and/or struggling to find employment? Rather than slinging mud on a person whom is already down, why not lend a helping hand to them, even as God has commanded you to do?

hello,Family I know what it is to have much,Now poor but,tell you happy becuz like my late mother used to say "the more $ you got the more trouble you got!" I have lost the house ' try to buy,helped alot of people when I had $ but,when I HAD $ lot "so called friends" how now ill,nobody friends GONE! But,thank God becuz my true friend Jesus he still with me. I'll make it no matter how I feel,what it looks like...even If he don't heal me fr B.Cancer or other illness...I remain keep my faith in God! you cannot put your trust in people,money,material things.Rom.8:35,1thess.5:15,16,17,18.Php.4:6.

Jed: How does someone choose poverty on disability? The monthly check is less than $2000 a month.

Better yet. My mom is 85 years old. She was widowed at age 51, with an 11 year old son. Dad left only 10,000 life insurance in 1977. Mom's Social Security check is $1,000 a month. When dad died she had no degree or job skills to start a new career. Th pension she gets from his job is less than $100 a month. How is it she chose poverty?

Wow, I never actually seen so many people put words in my mouth I did not say. I said absolutley nothing about the housing industry. I also did not say that Disabled people choose to be disabled. What I said is that for ADULTS in America, poverty is a choice. You can be disabled and not in poverty, if you are that is you choice. Also, if you lost you home, it is because you failed to pay your mortgage.

What does the Bible say about my collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for a work-related disability?

What about children who collect Government assistance, like Suppemental Security Income (SSI), for medical conditions such as: Autism, Military and/or Chemical related birth defects caused Agent Orange, Weapons production, etc.?

If I understand things correctly, these people, myself included, all chose our disability conditions? It's all poor choices? Really? How much fun! NOT!

How come I've been to God knows how many healing services and I'm still not healed? Hello God! Where are you?

God did not promise prosperity. what God said is if a man don't work he don't eat. Then we are told to help the poor and widows. The devil has so intwined us that opportunities to work are fading into an entitlement society. Even our teens expect a new car at 16....a sports car too. Our country has turned it's back on God. A corrupt regime in Washington. If God is ever going to put his hand on America we need to elect a whole new president and get rid of the czars.

Judy, everyone here has someone to blame that is for sure. The reason many are poor and in misery is because of "Sin."God is allowing sin to continue till the time He ordained already for it to stop. And as long as sin is allowed to continue, there will be death all over the world. A very good example is the long harsh treatment of Jews by the popes was the result of a serious misunderstanding of Gospel Truth. For, by the church's own interpretation of the Cross, it was not Jews alone, whether wholly or in part, who were responsible for the crucifixion, "but the sin of the world" that is, the sins of the entire race. We should call it was it is, "Sin."

Jed you are totaly uninformed about what has been going on with the housing industry. Knowledge also shows what starts with and in the Government policies effects the whole Nation. Our responsibility,get real there are circumstances in life which people have no control over,thats a fact. We are only one family in millions throughout the USA effected by the Home Building Industry's decline. It also effected the logging,sawmills,lumberyards,tile makers,carpet and paint companies and everything pertaining to outfitting a new home or refurbished home. You probably think they are all responsible to. Watch out what you unjustly attribute to a person has a way of coming back to you. The love of God does not shine from a hard,cold heart.

Darlene, it is not the duty or the responsibility of your "country" to keep you out of poverty. That's your own responsibility. If you have failed to do that then that means you have failed, not your country.

Jed you know better than that "people want to be homeless",there may an odd person too lazy to work,but most were forced into poverty by the failure of the Country,its decline and loss of jobs. Six years ago our business was prosperous enough we could afford to pay all expenses to take the nine members of our family on a cruise to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Now I praise God that we have money to pay our bills and buy food. We have a Carpet/floorcovering store,a building industry based business. When the industry crashed so did our business. We did not choose this I assure you. We were never rich but have been poor and I like having plenty a lot better than having little. We're living by faith in God to provide and he has.

I can only speak for the area I live in. Poverty is not really necessary since so many social programs are designed for the "less fortunate" Dropping out of school and wonder why they can't get a good paying job! We have "food banks" to feed the hungry that line up in the morning, teenagers with babies,smoking and talking on their cell phones! Tatood,hardware hanging off the face, "I can't find a job!" Mental and physical impaired are looked after by the provincial and municipal governments!Any one with ambition need not be poor!

Trish, please do tell them that. Someone needs to. That's the problem with this country. People have been led to believe that they are victims of circumstance or of the "rich". In reality, people are at the place they are in life because of choices they have made. So thank you, you will be doing them a HUGE favor if you did tell them that poverty is a choice. Thanks.

Jed: I'll be sure to tell the homeless my church ministers to that their poverty and homelessness is a choice.

We have had so many jobs outsourced to other countries, and unemployment rampant for a long time, with people losing their homes and medical benefits, and you say that being poor is a choice for these adults? Unbelievable.

Jesus was anything but poor. He wasn't rich either. He went from riches to rags to show that we must be content in our short lives on Earth with the bare necessities - a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our backs - so that any excess can be used for others in need. When it is said that it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than a rich man to go to heaven, just easier, not impossible, . The poor person offers his overflowing love to share with others. While hichhiking across the United States and Canada for a year and a half, I was content to sleep on top of mountains, in deserts, on beaches, on trains and parks - and still preached the gospel.

People in the United States have no idea what it is like to be poor. Even the poorest in the U.S. are rich compared to many in other countries. "Poverty" in the U.S. is a choice for adults, not for the children. Unfortunately, instead of parents being forced to provide better lives for their children, they are enabled to not work and remain in poverty, which is very unfair to the children who deserve hard-working parents. Shame on our government and the non-working parents in this country.

Went to kenya last spring. Wish I had just a portion of faith that they need for daily life. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. There are 4 types of people in the world. righteous rich (Christians in America), righteous poor (Jesus), unrighteous rich (Bernie Madoff), unrighteous poor (many who look to materialism for joy but get massive amounts of debt) excerpts from Doctrine by Mark Driscoll. This is the broken world we live in.